Interested in starting your own entrepreneurial journey in health and wellness but unsure what to expect? Then read up on our interview with Ali Segna, Founder of Jade Yoga and Wellness, located in Columbus, OH, USA.
What's your business, and who are your customers?
Jade Yoga and Wellness is exactly what you see, a yoga and wellness studio located in Worthington, Ohio. We aim to make yoga easily accessible, achievable, and empowering for everyone. We offer a variety of classes for all skill levels at a pace that allows each individual to flow safely and easily from each pose and the opportunity to feel the benefits of the practice. Our most popular classes are our Gentle yoga classes.
These classes are great for beginners and athletes alike, an all-modified practice of easy transitions with a focus on strength, balance, and flexibility. Our more advanced classes offer practitioners the opportunity to build their strength and endurance with creative sequencing and more challenging poses.
In addition to yoga, we like to incorporate wellness classes and workshops into our business model. I am a Register Dietitian Nutritionist and have put together classes and led group discussions on nutritious eating. We hold pelvic floor workshops with Board Certified Women's Health and Pelvic Floor Therapist Dr. Lexi Meister, reflexology workshops with Physical Therapist and Certified Reflexologist Riann Taylor, and various other classes that promote overall health and well-being.
Tell us about yourself
I took my first yoga class in 2001 with my aunt, who had to beg me to go. I was instantly hooked and began teaching shortly after in 2002. I continued teaching all around Columbus in studio boutiques and large gyms and dreamed of making it a career. It was after my 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training that I decided it was time to go after my dream and open a studio of my own. The practice and friendships have built along the way are what motivates me each day.
What's your biggest accomplishment as a business owner?
My biggest accomplishment as a business owner is connecting with my clients. I love seeing my clients grow; nothing warms my heart more than when they thank me for getting them there.
What's one of the hardest things that come with being a business owner?
The hardest thing that comes with being a business owner is finding a balance between home and work. Having three kids and a part-time job, in addition to running my own business, comes with a lot of scheduling conflicts and conflicting priorities. I am thankful for my business partner, husband, family, friends, and amazing staff, who help me every step of the way. I could not do this with my support team.
What are the top tips you'd give to anyone looking to start, run and grow a business today?
- Be realistic about what you can afford. It's easy to get carried away with wanting the best location, the high-end finishes, and top-rated equipment/merchandise, but you can easily run out of funds fast. So start small and make compromises, knowing you can always grow into a bigger and better place.
- Be consistent. Don't make promises or offers that you can keep up with regularly. People like consistent communication, hours, schedules, and notifications.
- Make it simple. If you try to offer all the things at once, you will run thin. Fewer selections, simple pricing, easy to understand schedule, and one-click options for purchasing create less confusion, meaning you spend less time troubleshooting and more time being creative and expanding your business.
Where can people find you and your business?
Website: https://jadeyogaandwellness.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JadeYogaWellness/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jadeyogaandwellness/
If you like what you've read here and have your own story as a solo or small business entrepreneur that you'd like to share, then please answer these interview questions. We'd love to feature your journey on these pages.
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